NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF
LAUNIUPOKO WATER COMPANY, LLC
FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF RATE INCREASES AND
REVISED RATE SCHEDULES
Docket No. 2006-0505
THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (Commission) of the STATE OF HAWAII hereby gives NOTICE that it will hold a public hearing, pursuant to chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, regarding the application of LAUNIUPOKO WATER COMPANY, LLC (LWC), filed on December 29, 2006, for Commission review and approval of rate increases and revised rate schedules (Application). The public hearing will be held as follows:
Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Maui Waena Intermediate School Cafeteria
795 Onehee Avenue
Kahului, Maui, Hawaii 96732
LWC is a public utility authorized to provide water service within its service territory in West Maui, Hawaii. Through its Application, LWC is seeking Commission approval of a general rate increase of $45,321 or about 37.77%, over total revenues at present rates for the calendar 2007 test year (Test Year). The requested increase is based on an estimated total revenue requirement of $165,328 for the Test Year.
Specifically, LWC is proposing to, among other things: (1) increase its monthly water consumption charge and establish new monthly charges for automatic fire sprinkler and other private fire protection connections, see chart below; (2) establish a power cost adjustment clause to account for the cost of electricity; and (3) make various revisions to its rules and regulations governing water service. Currently, aside from the monthly water consumption charge, which LWC is seeking to increase, LWC also assesses its customers a monthly standby meter charge based upon meter size ranging from $20 to $100, which LWC is not proposing to increase through this Application.
The following illustrates LWCs proposed rate increases and new charges.
Present Rates Proposed Rates
Water Consumption Charge:
(Usage/Month)
Per thousand gallons up to $1.42 $2.42
10,000 gallons
Per thousand gallons from $1.91 $2.91
10,001 up to 25,000 gallons
Per thousand gallons over $2.25 $3.25
25,000 gallons
Private Fire Protection Charge:
(Connection/Month)
Hydrants — $3.00
Stand pipes — $2.00
Other — $2.50
(per inch diameter
of feeder main)
LWC represents that the instant rate case is designed to allow it the opportunity to recover costs and earn a fair and reasonable return on its utility assets, and continue to provide its customers an incentive to conserve water resources.
The Commission will investigate whether the proposals in LWCs Application, including revisions to its rate schedules that propose to increase, establish, or adjust certain rates, are just and reasonable. The total revenue requirement for the Test Year will not exceed the $45,321 amount over revenues at present rates that LWC requests. However, the overall increases in rates and charges to be finally approved by the Commission, if any, may be higher or lower than LWCs proposed rates and charges noted above.
All interested persons are urged to attend the public hearing to state their views orally, in writing, or both. Written statements may be submitted prior to or at the public hearing. Statements may be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission, 465 South King Street, Room No. 103, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813 via postal mail or personal delivery. Statements can also be submitted to the Commission through e-mail at Hawaii.PUC@hawaii.gov. All written statements should reference Docket No. 2006-0505 and include the following information: (1) name of the person submitting the written statement; (2) organization representing (if any); and (3) address of the person submitting the written statement.
Motions to intervene or participate in this proceeding must comply with Subchapter 4, Rules of Practice and Procedure Before the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 6, Chapter 61. A motion to intervene or participate in this proceeding must be filed with the Commissions Honolulu Office by Monday, March 12, 2007.
A copy of LWCs Application and supporting documents are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the following locations:
1. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
465 South King Street, Room No. 103
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone: (808) 586-2020
2. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
MAUI DISTRICT OFFICE
State Office Building No. 1
54 South High Street, Room No. 218
Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: (808) 984-8182
3. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
DIVISION OF CONSUMER ADVOCACY
335 Merchant Street, Room No. 326
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone: (808) 586-2800
4. LAUNIUPOKO WATER COMPANY, LLC
Kahului Building
33 Lono Avenue, Suite 450
Kahului, Hawaii 96732
Phone: (808) 877-4202
Special arrangements to accommodate persons with disabilities can be made if requested reasonably in advance of the public hearing by contacting the Commissions Honolulu Office, see above.
_________________________
Carlito P. Caliboso
Chairman (SB05527336 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27/07)
